Green Bay, WI – May 10, 2025
Year 3 is do-or-die for Lukas Van Ness. Once seen as the next Rashan Gary, the former 13th overall pick now finds himself in a fight to keep his spot in Green Bay’s pass-rush rotation.
After a quiet rookie season and an underwhelming follow-up in 2024—even after the Packers traded Preston Smith—Van Ness couldn’t lock down more snaps. Instead, Brenton Cox and Arron Mosby stole the spotlight.
Now, with two new edge rushers added in the draft (Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver), it’s clear: the Packers are sending a message. If Van Ness doesn’t step up, his replacement is already waiting.
He’s still young. Still explosive. And with new D-line coach DeMarcus Covington in town, hope isn’t lost. But if Van Ness doesn’t show real growth in 2025, Green Bay may move on before his fifth-year option even becomes a discussion.
Sink or shine, the clock is ticking.
